Looking Ahead to 2009: Part 1 – Catcher
Well, unfortunately, even as optimistic as I am, it doesn’t appear that this will be the year the Tigers will it all. A team that at the beginning of the year, on paper, looked unstoppable, has been anything but. I think its time to start to look over the team, position by position, and see where they need help, and where they will be solid for next season.
Catcher – Pudge Rodriguez
I have been pretty outspoken in my dislike of him, but he hasn’t played horribly this season. A free agent after this year, going into a very weak free agent market for catchers. It might take a salary similar to this seasons $13 million to hold on to Pudge. Is he worth it? From an on the field perspective, I don’t believe so. He is not the hitter he once was, and any gold gloves he’s received recently have been based mostly on reputation. On the other hand, he is still a draw, a fan favorite. A sure-fire first ballot future Hall-of-Famer, and one of the greatest players to play the position of catcher, is certainly going to help bring fans to the ballpark, at home and on the road. That said what other options do the Tigers have? James Skelton is the Tigers best catching prospect, but honestly is not ready to contribute at the big league level for at least a few more seasons. As I mentioned earlier, the free agent market looks grim. A few stopgap catchers will be available. Miguel Olivo, Michael Barrett, and the biggest name Jason Varitek, have all seen their best days. So if Pudge leave what will the Tigers do? Deplete the farm system further and trade for a catcher? Or do they try to get Brandon Inge, one of the finest third basemen in the game, to return, full-time behind the plate. We all know Inge wants to play third, and I believe that is where he has the most value, but the Tigers may not have any other options. Few can play catcher well, many can play a passable third base. It is something that should be considered at least.
Oh, where have you gone Vance Wilson?
Tags: Catcher, Detroit Tigers, Free Agent, Inge, Ivan Rodriguez, Looking Ahead, Pudge, Skelton, Tigers
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